A teenager was left shaken and frightened as she fought of a youth who attempted to abduct her.
The incident took place at around 8.20pm on Wednesday, near the Safeway store in Ingleby Barwick.
The 14-year-old was making her way to a friend's house when she was approached by the youth, who grabbed her hand and said: "you are coming with me".
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "The terrified girl, who had never seen him before, began to shout, scream and struggle.
"He let her go and ran off. The girl was left extremely shaken and frightened."
A friend of the girl believes the attacker may have been in the company of another male in the area prior to the incident.
The attacker is described as white, chubby and aged between 16 and 17. He was wearing a black baseball cap, grey or white Gap hooded sweatshirt and dark trousers.
Police are keen to speak to anyone in the area at the time, particularly if they witnessed the incident or may know the attacker.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Colin Hill on (01642) 302226.
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